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WASHINGTON (RNS) — The Episcopal Church has refused a federal directive to assist in resettling white South Africans granted fast-tracked refugee status in the U.S., calling the move “inconsistent with racial justice” and ending its decades-long government resettlement partnership.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced Monday that Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) would not comply with the Trump administration’s request to aid the resettlement of 49 white South Africans who arrived in the U.S. this week.
“In light of our church’s steadfast commitment to racial justice and reconciliation—and our historic ties with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa—we cannot participate in this program,” Rowe said.
“By the end of the fiscal year, we will conclude our refugee resettlement agreements with the federal government.”
The decision comes after President Donald Trump authorized expedited refugee status for white South Africans, claiming they face discrimination in their homeland—a charge South Africa’s government denies.
Meanwhile, the administration has slashed overall refugee admissions, leaving thousands of persecuted groups in limbo.
Rowe criticized the disparity in refugee processing, noting that many Iraqi and Afghan allies of the U.S. military, as well as religious minorities, remain stranded in dangerous conditions.
“It’s painful to see one group leapfrog others who’ve waited years in camps,” he said.
“Many being denied entry are Christians fleeing persecution or brave individuals who served alongside American troops.”
The Episcopal Church has resettled 110,000 refugees since the 1980s, including from Ukraine, Myanmar, and Congo. Its withdrawal marks a historic break with federal resettlement programs.
While the Episcopal Church steps back, Church World Service (CWS), another faith-based agency, says it will assist the South Africans—but with reservations.
“We’re troubled by the fast-tracking of Afrikaners while other desperate refugees are blocked,” said CWS President Rick Santos.
“Yet our faith calls us to serve all eligible refugees with dignity.”
This isn’t the first clash between the Episcopal Church and the Trump administration. In January, Washington Bishop Mariann Budde drew the president’s ire after urging “mercy” for migrants and LGBTQ+ youth during an inaugural prayer service.
The Anglican Church of Southern Africa, a longtime ally of the Episcopal Church, was instrumental in fighting apartheid. The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel laureate, famously championed racial equality.
The Episcopal Church will shift its focus to aiding immigrants already in the U.S. and those stranded abroad. Meanwhile, the debate over refugee priorities continues to divide policymakers and faith communities.
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